9. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Becton is another highly athletic tackle prospect in this draft. He is a protoypical “finisher” who puts dominant blocks on tape in both pass protection and at the point of attack in the running game. He was the largest player in Indianapolis for the combine, measuring in at 6-7 and 364 pounds, but did not move like that, as both his film and his 5.1 40-yard dash attest. The scheme component might be a bit tricky with him, as the Louisville offense was a quick-strike passing game that tasked him with only 73 true pass-blocking sets last season, according to charting from Pro Football Focus. But for many, his power and potential is enough to make him an enticing option.
10. Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Imagine a player with the power and contact balance of Saquon Barkley, but one that lines up outside and has the long speed to be a threat in the deep-passing game. That is what the team that drafts Shenault is going to get. Shenault lined up everywhere for Colorado a season ago and is a threat after the catch thanks to his blend of power and quickness. A groin injury hampered him at the combine, so there are injury concerns, but when healthy he is a true matchup nightmare who will keep defensive coordinators awake at night.
11. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
A stellar performance at the combine has propelled Jefferson into the first-round discussion, but the truth is that based on film alone, the LSU wideout should have already been in that mix. Jefferson moved to the slot last season in Joe Brady’s passing game and was a threat at all levels of the field. He is also a beast at the catch point, and his rate in contested-catch situations is among the best in the class. But he is not solely a slot receiver. LSU used him on the boundary in 2018, and he showed the ability to beat press coverage on the outside as well. That, coupled with his size and speed, makes him a versatile threat at the next level.
12. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Higgins might be the next example of people overthinking the draft process. The Clemson wideout was considered to be at the top of the second tier of receivers when the college season ended. But he did not participate in drills at the combine, and his pro day results, including a 4.54 40-yard dash and a 31-inch vertical, have some questioning his athleticism and explosiveness. But turn on the tape and you will see a prototypical NFL “X” receiver who can be a threat in the downfield passing game and who can win at the catch point. Higgins also shows more athleticism and ability after the catch on film, so the team that trusts the tape will be happy they do when drafting him.
13. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Yes, there is a “Big Four” at the offensive tackle position, but with each passing day the odds of it becoming more of a “Big Five” are growing. Jones looks to be the player to crash that party, and the big offensive tackle has the film and the measurables to be a solid tackle at the next level. According to charting from Pro Football Focus, Jones allowed just 18 quarterback pressures on 1,282 pass-blocking snaps over the past three seasons. Over that time he has surrendered just five sacks. He has also shown great strides as a run blocker, and when you put all the pieces together, you have an offensive tackle who seems primed to take a huge step forward in the NFL.
14. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
A player enjoying a tremendous pre-draft process is Mims, the Baylor wide receiver. Building off a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Mims brought his track background to the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium, posting elite numbers like a 4.38 40-yard dash and a broad jump of 10 feet, 11 inches. He is a true force in the vertical passing game, with the speed to run away from defenders but the savvy to stack cornerbacks on his back and shield them from the football. Mims also adjusts extremely well to the ball in flight, making him a factor in the back shoulder game. He did not run the most diverse route tree, so the team that drafts him will need to keep that in mind, but as far as vertical threats go, he’s one of the best in the class.
15. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
In contrast to the downfield, vertical threats like Denzel Mims and Tee Higgins, Reagor is the more prototypical West Coast receiver. He has great footwork off the line of scrimmage and against press coverage, and his burst on cuts, as well as after the catch, makes him a very explosive and dangerous receiving threat. His footwork enables him to get over the top of defenses, particularly on double-move routes. He has struggled with drops at times, so that will be something to watch as he transitions to the NFL, but teams running West Coast systems will covet what he brings to the table.
16. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Positional value likely propels Herbert closer to the top of the draft board, but there are a number of reasons why Herbert might be perhaps the second quarterback selected in the draft. He has an absolute cannon for an arm, with the ability to spray throws to all levels of the field on an absolute line. Herbert also shows an advanced understanding of leverage, and when he pairs that with his talented arm he can make splash throws into tighter windows even deep down the field. The Oregon offense did not ask him to do a ton, as many throws were near the line of scrimmage or outside the numbers, so the adjustment to NFL life might take some time. But his arm, and athleticism, make him an intriguing prospect.